CHAPTER III. 



First Lessons in Geology Harmony of the Science with Revelation Extreme 

 Antiquity of the Earth Proofs of this fact derived from the Structure of 

 the Earth itself Similar Evidence afforded by Astronomy Origin of 

 our Planet Internal Heat of the Earth Crust of the Earth Order and 

 Succession of the Rocks Tropical Climate of the Ancient Earth 

 Efficacy of Modern Causes. 



WE shall take this opportunity, before entering on the more 

 practical portion of our subject, of stating some of those 

 leading principles which serve as an introduction to the 

 science, and tend to facilitate the future progress of the 

 student : these we shall term First Lessons in Geology. 



HARMONY or THE SCIENCE WITH REVELATION. Among 

 the most valuable and satisfactory of these may be enume- 

 rated the conviction of the perfect harmony of the science 

 with revelation, and the groundless nature of those fears 

 which many well-meaning persons entertain of the possibility 

 of a collision between them. It may be sufficient to state, 

 that, in all essential points, the records of Scripture are com- 

 pletely confirmed by the evidence of physical fact. This 

 admirable study, so far from lessening our belief in the Deity, 

 or our perception of His attributes, tends materially to enhance 

 andconfirm our appreciation of both. A science, which extends 

 our knowledge of creation, exalts, in a commensurate degree, 

 our admiration of the Creator. Those who would pursue 

 the subject farther are referred to the works of Lyell, 

 Buckland, Delabeche, Murchison, Sedgwick, the various 

 works of Mantell,* and Dr. Pye Smith, all of which furnish 

 arguments so powerful and convincing, that they cannot 

 fail to remove the apprehensions of the most sensitive mind. 



* Wonders of Geology, 2 vols., 18s. ; Medals of Creation, 2 vols., 21s. ; 

 Geology of the Isle of Wight, 12s.; Pictorial Atlas of Fossil Remains, 4to, 

 seventy-five coloured plates, 45s. 



